What a Firenado Is and How It Happens

A fire tornado comes close to homes during the Corona Fire on November 15, 2008 in Yorba Linda, California. Strong Santa Ana Winds are destroying hundreds of homes and charring thousands of acres around southern California. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared states of emergency for the fires.

PHOTO: A wildfire-induced tornado of hot ash dances across a ridgetop as the sun sets May 13, 2002 near Rancho Santa Margarita, CA.

They’re an amazing sight but dangerous for firefighters, as the tunnels suck in burning debris and can spit embers miles away, enlarging a wildfire’s path of destruction.

Most firenadoes usually last only a couple minutes.

The phenomenon can happen with smoke, too, when spiraling wind creates a smokenado.

David McNew/Getty Images

PHOTO: Smoke takes on the appearance of a colossal tornado as it rises from upper Borrego Palm Canyon in the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park near the boundary of the Los Coyotes Indian Reservation August 7, 2002 west of Borrego Springs, California.